"Førøyar" Top 5 Page for this destination Faroe Islands by JLBG

Faroe Islands Travel Guide: 462 reviews and 1,027 photos

The Faroe Islands are locally called Førøyar (Foroyar).

They are a group of islands between the Norwegian Sea and the north Atlantic Ocean, about one-half of the way from Iceland to Norway or Scotland. Their geographic coordinates are 62 00 N, 7 00 W

There are 18 islands in the group with a total land area of about 1,400 square kilometer (540 square miles). Only 6% can be cultivated.

The coastline is 1,117 km with cliffs along most of the coasts. The highest point is the Slaettaratindur (882 m)

The 18 islands are : Streymoy, Eysturoy, Kalsoy, Kunoy, Bordoy, Vidoy, Svínoy, Fugloy, Mykines, Vágar, Koltur, Hestur, Nólsoy, Sandoy, Skúvoy, Stóra Dímun, Lítla Dímun, Suduroy They are all inhabited but one.

Winters are mild, summers cool. The weather is usually overcast, foggy and windy. It can change in a few minutes. The Faroe pride themselves as the country that have the greatest number of sunny spells per day.

The population of the Faroe Islands (Faroese) is largely descended from Viking settlers who arrived in the 9th century. The islands have been connected politically to Denmark since the 14th century. A high degree of self-government was attained in 1948.

This site will give you detailed informations on the cities and villages on the Faroe

The population is under 50,000, all Evangelical Lutheran. The capital, Torshavn (17,000) is situated on the island of Streymoy. Two other main cities of Streymoy are Kollafjard (1,000) and Vestmanna (1,300).

The language is the Faroese (derived from Old Norse) but Danish is widely spoken

The economy of the Faroe depends almost totally on fishing.

Then, why have I visited the Faroe ? This is the question asked by Elena, living in Torshavn. As far as I am concerned, I visited the Faroe because I felt is was too hot to go to Morocco !

?? !!

And because it is on the way to Iceland !

That's clear !

Actually, the full story was that we had planned to spend our summer holidays in Morocco with our two kids in a freshly bought Landrover equiped for camping. But May and June were very very hot at home and we thought ''As it is so hot, Iceland would be better than Morocco''.

The Smyril was to bring us from Scotland to the Faroe, leave us for three days and then take us to Iceland (click to visit). The return sailing to Scotland left us only a few hours in Torshavn, but we were lucky to watch an annual celebration (see travelogues).

Then, at first, it was not really ''on purpose'' that we went to the Faroe, but we did not regret it at all. Three days are not enough for the Faroe and I know that I want to go another time and visit this wonderful piece of land another time, more in depth, for it's landscapes and for the numerous birds.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Often sunny
Cons:Often drizzling
In a nutshell:Often changing

Intro Updated Jan 25, 2005
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Reviews (20)

Wool ! Shopping (1)

To buy a pullover woven in local wool that has kept, at least partly, it's suint is a must. They are nearly waterproof... more travel advice

No comment ! Off The Beaten Path (4)

Or may be some comment ! This cat is taking advantage of every minute of sunshine ! As the weather is changing so... more travel advice

On board the Smyril Transportation (1)

The Smyril line links the Faroe to Scandinavia and Scotland. We sailed from Stranrear (Scotland) on the Smyril. Now, the... more travel advice

Good bye, Torshavn ! Things to Do (11)

Leaving Torshavn under the mist ! Just like upon arrival ! However, as you have seen, there can be bright periods od sun... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
Camping
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Travelogues (2)

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Comments (57)

Yaqui Jan 14, 2012 at 2:44 PM Report Abuse

What a fantastic place. It must be amazing to see so many wonderful things. Thank you for sharing Jean-Louis.
Hildeal Jan 5, 2012 at 5:25 AM Report Abuse

I want to go there! How did you get there ? by plane? Boat?
hopang May 6, 2009 at 7:17 AM Report Abuse

Lovely Faroe Islands page complete with beautiful photographs! The harbour and Kollafjordur certainly look amazing! Thanks for sharing. ~ho & pang
junecorlett Feb 20, 2009 at 1:46 AM Report Abuse

There are so many BEAUTIFUL places on earth.
iwys Nov 17, 2008 at 11:28 PM Report Abuse

I really like this page. You have such atmospheric photos of the place - I can almost feel the drizzle. Your 'Sun and clouds' photo is a real work of art.
kokoryko Sep 20, 2008 at 1:48 PM Report Abuse

Destination for a hiker JL; I like the views of the villages and harbours under the clouds, and think of discovering them, walking across the islands. Very nice page!
tere1 Jun 30, 2008 at 12:55 PM Report Abuse

Great page on the F . Islands Jean-Louis. Never thought about going there but it they look very interesting!!
angiebabe May 9, 2008 at 8:21 AM Report Abuse

Hi great to see yr pg,very true the need for waterproofs!!i loved my visit Aug 2000-was a quick visit off the boat from Shetlands and too lovely to leave so stayed for the next boat!so had a week!I still think how lucky!
TheWanderingCamel Apr 21, 2008 at 4:30 AM Report Abuse

MrL has 2 Faroes sweaters, bought there nearly 40 years ago now and still going strong. A great glimpse here into a remote part of the world. leyle
MikeStarr5 Dec 9, 2007 at 3:56 AM Report Abuse

Hi from Mike and Shelley in the forgotten part of London - "Barking Town" - Excellent 5 star tips and pics - Well Done !